Oliveira admits: ‘I just want to race properly,’ but Yamaha already had a plan.

Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP career stands at a crossroads. The Portuguese rider, who has already experienced the highs of Grand Prix victories and the lows of injury setbacks, has admitted he still wants to “race, properly race” in the premier class. But with Toprak Razgatlioglu joining Pramac and Jack Miller securing his seat for 2026, Oliveira finds himself squeezed out of the Yamaha satellite project. His immediate future now depends on whether he chooses to remain in MotoGP as a test rider with Aprilia or pursue a competitive switch to WorldSBK.

The Pramac Reshuffle

The biggest blow to Oliveira’s plans came when Yamaha finalized its 2026 line-up at Pramac Racing. By renewing Jack Miller’s contract and promoting Superbike sensation Toprak Razgatlioglu into MotoGP, Yamaha effectively closed the door on Oliveira’s continuation with the team. Despite showing flashes of speed during his time with Pramac, injuries and inconsistency meant he was unable to trigger the performance clauses in his contract. That reality left Yamaha with little hesitation in moving forward without him.

For Oliveira, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Having returned to Yamaha machinery with hopes of rebuilding his career, the 30-year-old now faces the daunting prospect of losing a full-time MotoGP seat altogether.

Aprilia’s Test Rider Offer

One option that remains on the table is a test rider role with Aprilia. The Noale factory has expressed interest in bringing Oliveira back into its orbit, this time not as a full-time competitor but as part of its crucial development program. Given his past experience riding the RS-GP and his reputation as a technically astute rider, Oliveira would be a valuable asset for Aprilia’s ongoing project.

Such a role would keep him within the MotoGP paddock and involved in the evolution of one of the sport’s most competitive machines. However, for a racer who still feels he has plenty to prove on Sundays, the idea of moving into a behind-the-scenes role may not provide the satisfaction he craves.

The WorldSBK Possibility

If Oliveira decides that a test rider role does not align with his ambitions, a move to World Superbikes could be his next big chapter. With his adaptable riding style and proven ability to win at the highest level, he would be an attractive signing for factory-backed teams in WSBK. The championship has become an increasingly popular destination for riders squeezed out of MotoGP, with figures like Toprak Razgatlioglu, Alvaro Bautista, and Jonathan Rea all proving the competitiveness and prestige of the series.

A move to Superbikes would give Oliveira the chance to “race, properly race”, fulfilling his desire to remain in the thick of competition rather than on the sidelines as a tester. It would also open the door for new challenges, different tracks, and the potential to establish himself as a dual-discipline star.

A Unique Career Path

Wherever Oliveira lands, his MotoGP journey has already been one of diversity and resilience. Having raced for KTM, Aprilia, and Yamaha, he has demonstrated adaptability across very different machines and philosophies. His victories with KTM showed his capacity to seize opportunities, while his stint with Aprilia highlighted his technical input. Yamaha, though not as fruitful, has added to his breadth of experience with different manufacturers.

Should he transition into a test role with Aprilia, he would bring this wide-ranging knowledge to the team’s development program. Alternatively, if he heads to WorldSBK, he would take with him the pedigree of a proven MotoGP race winner.

The Emotional Battle

Oliveira’s recent comments underline the inner conflict he faces. His words—wanting to “race, properly race”—speak volumes about the hunger that still burns inside him. At 30 years old, he is far from finished physically, and riders in both MotoGP and WorldSBK have shown that careers can flourish well into their thirties. The challenge for Oliveira is aligning his personal ambitions with the opportunities realistically available in a rider market that often leaves little room for sentiment.

Conclusion

The coming months will be pivotal for Miguel Oliveira. With his Pramac seat gone to Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlioglu, his choices are narrowing: accept Aprilia’s offer as a test rider and remain in the MotoGP paddock in a reduced role, or pursue a fresh start in WorldSBK, where he could continue to fight for victories on the track.

Either path offers challenges and rewards. One would keep him close to the elite level of development in MotoGP, while the other would allow him to continue racing at the sharp end of competition. What is clear, however, is that Oliveira is determined not to fade quietly into the background. Whether in MotoGP’s test garages or on the front lines of Superbikes, the Falcon of Almada seems ready to spread his wings for a new chapter in 2026.